Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Atlanta Symphony Chorus is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over 50 years. Founded in 1970, the chorus has become an integral part of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, performing alongside the orchestra in numerous concerts and recordings. The Atlanta Symphony Chorus was founded by Robert Shaw, a legendary choral conductor who had previously led the Robert Shaw Chorale and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. Shaw was appointed as the music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1967 and immediately set out to establish a world-class chorus to accompany the orchestra. Under Shaw's leadership, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus quickly gained a reputation for its precision, clarity, and expressive power. The chorus comprises over 200 auditioned singers, who come from all walks of life and range in age from 18 to 80. The members of the chorus are all volunteers, but they are held to the highest standards of musicianship and professionalism. One of the highlights of the Atlanta Symphony Chorus's early years was its performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1972. This performance was particularly significant because it marked the first time that an American orchestra and chorus had performed the Ninth Symphony in Japan. The concert was a huge success, and the Atlanta Symphony Chorus received widespread acclaim for its performance. Over the years, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus has performed a wide range of choral works, from Bach's Mass in B Minor to Orff's Carmina Burana. The chorus has also collaborated with many renowned conductors and soloists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Renée Fleming. One of the most memorable performances in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus's history was its rendition of Verdi's Requiem in 1985. This performance was particularly significant because it marked the first time that the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus had performed a major choral work in the newly-built Symphony Hall. The concert was a huge success, and the Atlanta Symphony Chorus received a standing ovation from the audience. In addition to its performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus has also performed independently in many concerts and festivals. One of the most notable of these was the chorus's performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The chorus performed a program of American choral music, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. Over the years, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional performances. In 1988, the chorus was awarded a Grammy Award for its recording of Brahms's Ein deutsches Requiem with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The chorus has also been recognized by the American Choral Directors Association and the Chorus America organization for its outstanding contributions to the choral arts. Today, the Atlanta Symphony Chorus continues to be a vital part of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and a leading choral ensemble in the United States. The chorus's commitment to excellence and its dedication to the choral art form have made it a beloved institution in the Atlanta community and beyond.

More....